Tenants Call for End to Ellis Act

Roberto Alfaro Sr., 67, has lived in his Mission apartment at 164 Lucky Street for 27 years. Ana Gutierrez, 66, has lived in the unit next door for 34 years. Both are retired, disabled, and living on a fixed income. These are the only San Francisco apartments they’ve ever known.

Last month, they were told they were being evicted under the Ellis Act, a state law that allows landlords to take rental units off the market.

“I raised all my kids in that place,” said Gutierrez, who lives in the apartment with her two sons. “I’ve been there ever since I came to San Francisco.”

“We don’t know what to do,” she added.

Alfaro and Gutierrez were among dozens of people who gathered beneath the Christmas tree at 18th and Castro streets Wednesday to protest Ellis Act evictions. Carrying signs in English and Spanish that read, “Happy Holidays. Now get the hell out,” the protesters called on state legislators to repeal the Ellis Act and for local politicians to lend their support.